Eligibility for the State of Illinois group Insurance Program is determined by the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971 which states that all employees must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for the State Group Insurance Program:
Paid through the comptroller's office or a local university payroll AND eligible to participate in any of the State retirement systems:
Illinois State University participates in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). Employees may not be eligible to participate in SURS if they hold a certain visa and have not yet established residency status for tax purposes. F1 and J1 visa holders generally fall in this category. You are encouraged to contact the Payroll Office at (309) 438-3106 for assistance in determining your eligibility.
At the time you are considered a resident alien for tax purposes, you will be eligible to participate in SURS and you will then be eligible to participate in the Group Insurance Program. Until that time, insurance can be purchased through your own arrangements. Information is available about short term insurance policies in the Office of International Studies and Programs, Fell Hall, room 308. Contact: (309) 438-5276 or visit the International Studies Web site.
Note: "Resident Alien for tax purposes" is different than "Resident Alien for immigration purposes."